A question of leadership

There are times when it's proper to not renew a college president's contract. And there's a proper way to do it. There may have been reasons to not keep President Nichol at William and Mary. But there are reasons to question the manner in which Rector Michael Powell handled the situation:

• Powell inappropriately informed Nichol that his contract was "unlikely" to be renewed - before the Board of Visitors had made a formal decision - prompting Nichol's resignation.
• Powell falsely represented the BOV as unanimous, though BOV member Robert Blair, who just resigned, revealed this as untrue.
• Powell failed to defend the college and its president against public attacks that went on for over a year.
• Saying the BOV is "constrained" from fully explaining the decision, Powell has failed to quiet concerns that the support of faculty and students was ignored, and the BOV was influenced by a handful of alumni, one "withholding" millions of dollars over Nichol's presidency.
• His secrecy and misleading statements have taken a relatively contained controversy and exploded it into widespread confusion, suspicion, anger, and mistrust.

The BOV needed to address the controversy over Nichol. But under Powell's leadership, they made the situation worse - even bringing negative national attention to William and Mary and Virginia.

William and Mary needs to move forward in a positive direction. But it can do so only if the BOV appreciate their accountability to the public - and recognize the William and Mary community as an important part of that public.

What you can do about it

If all the current students and recent alumni each pledged $1000, it wouldn't match the millions one alumnus withheld over Nichol. When it comes to money, the regular members of the William and Mary community can't compete with wealthy individuals who try to manipulate the college.

But that doesn't mean that those with lots of money have complete control. The BOV are appointed by the Virginia state government. They are accountable to Virginia's voters, including members of the William and Mary community.

"Accountable" means that if they don't act in the college's best interest and won't acknowledge wrong-doing, they should be replaced.

For more, read Why the Petition.

Take Action

If we aren't happy with Powell, we need to let our representatives in Virginia's government know. Here's how:

• First, sign the petition, expressing your belief that Powell failed in his responsibilities to the college and, if he won't admit wrong-doing, should be replaced.
• After you sign the petition, we'll help you find your Virginia representatives and email them and the governor.
• Finally, you'll have a chance to email your friends and colleagues and invite them to do the same.

To begin, go to the petition.

If you encounter any problems with this website, please send a note to mail@replacepowell.com